cryptocurrency

American  

[krip-toh-kur-uhn-see, -kuhr-] / ˈkrɪp toʊˌkɜr ən si, -ˌkʌr- /

noun

1. currency that exists only in electronic form, operates on a decentralized system of exchange, and uses advanced cryptography for security, or any individual currency of this type.

   Some expect cryptocurrency to become the dominant means of financing trade between markets.

   This particular cryptocurrency has a huge following among retail traders.

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adjective

1. being or relating to virtual currency that uses advanced cryptography for security.

   They are one of the largest cryptocurrency exchanges on the internet.

   She got caught running a cryptocurrency scam.

Usage

What's the difference between cryptocurrency, virtual currency, and digital currency? See digital currency ( def. ).

Etymology

Origin of cryptocurrency

First recorded in 2005–10; crypto- + currency

Explanation

Cryptocurrency is a form of payment that's entirely digital, moving from one computer to another. The most well-known cryptocurrency, Bitcoin, was also the first ever created. Cryptocurrency gets its name from the cryptography or encryption used to protect digital "coins" and all information exchanged when they're traded. At the heart of the word is crypto-, from the Greek kryptos, "hidden or concealed." Cryptocurrency proponents emphasize its security, and the benefit of trading without the interference of banks or governments. Critics warn that investing real money in cryptocurrency is risky; in 2022, people lost a total of about $2 trillion using the digital exchanges.

Example Sentences

See Examples For:

cryptocurrency

World Liberty says it plans for the trust bank to drive “mainstream adoption” of USD1 and to offer new services to clients, such as holding their cryptocurrency for a fee.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 27, 2026

Ethereum, the second most-traded cryptocurrency, was recently 0.7% higher at around $2,490, while XRP jumped 2.2% to $1.51.

From The Wall Street Journal ● Aug. 25, 2026

But those mining companies have faced falling rewards since the value of the cryptocurrency has slumped from its peak in October 2025.

From BBC ● Aug. 25, 2026

The group also claims to have obtained a playable build of the game and asks users for cryptocurrency donations.

From Los Angeles Times ● Aug. 25, 2026

The rally likely prompted traders who were short bitcoin — or positioning to profit from falling prices of the cryptocurrency — to exit those trades, he said.

From MarketWatch ● Aug. 22, 2026